Trainer Choosing

This article is (mostly) written by the Humane Society of the United States. See copyright info below. Links added by Ahimsa Dog Training.

How Should You Choose a Trainer? Aren’t they all the same, or close enough?

Too many dogs are given up after their normal, easily modifiable behaviors like barking, biting, chewing, and house soiling are allowed to become problems. But it doesn’t have to be this way. To prevent your dog from becoming a sad statistic, take your dogâ€”and your familyâ€”to a professional dog training class. A good training class is a fun, social activity that helps your dog become a well-behaved, safe, and valued family member. This information will help you find the dog trainer and class environment that best fits your budget and needs. [Grisha recommends Ahimsa Dog Training, of course, but read on to see why.]

Why is training my dog a necessity?

As a dog owner, one of the first questions you may ask is, Does my new companion need training? Yes, and so do you! Whether you are intentionally teaching him or not, your canine friend is always learningâ€”and this is true not just for puppies but also for older, adult dogs. If you do not teach your pet your rules, he will invent his own. Training allows caregivers to safely and humanely control their dog’s behavior. Positive training enhances the bond between dog and owner, and helps ensure that your dog will respond happily to your instructions.

What should I look for in a trainer?

It’s essential that the dog trainer you select uses humane training techniques that encourage appropriate behavior through such positive reinforcement as food, attention, play, or praise. Look for a trainer who ignores undesirable responses or withholds rewards until the dog behaves appropriately. Training techniques should never involve yelling, choking (by hand or with collars), shaking the scruff, tugging on the leash, alpha rolling (forcing the dog onto his back), or other actions that frighten or inflict pain.

Where can I find a trainer?

A recommendation from a friend, neighbor, veterinarian, humane society, boarding kennel, or groomer is a good place to start. You can also search the web, the website of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (www.apdt.com) or check the Yellow Pages under “Pet Training.” Warning: Don’t assume that a trainer’s membership in a dog trainer association qualifies him as a suitable instructor, but it is an indicator of their preferred methods. Not all associations’ membership criteria will meet your expectations. Also, because no government agency regulates or licenses trainers, it’s that much more important to investigate their qualifications before enrolling in a class. Find out what experience they have, how they were educated, whether they volunteer in some way in the dog community, and what training methods they use. After all of the research you do on trainers, you are still the best resource you have. Find a trainer whose personality and methods make you and your dog comfortable.

Which class format is best?

In group classes, dogs learn to interact with other dogs, accept handling by other people, and respond to their owners despite distractions. Owners learn by observing other people interacting with their dogs and benefit from the camaraderie. Self-help training, private lessons, and dog-only lessons that exclude the owner do not provide these important advantages, although private sessions for you and your dog are useful for solving or preventing behavioral problems. Another disadvantage of dog-only lessons is that the dog may respond well for the trainer but may not transfer what she has learned to you and your family.

When possible, all family members should participate in the dog’s training. By learning to communicate humanely and effectively with their canine friend, they will develop bonds that will form the basis of the entire relationship.

What should I seek in a group class?

Ask the trainer whether you can observe a class in session before signing up. Watch for the following:

Is class size limited to allow for individual attention?

Are there separate classes for puppies and adult dogs?

Are there different class levels (for example, beginner, intermediate, and advanced)?

Does the trainer use a variety of methods to meet dogs’ individual needs?

Is proof of vaccination required?

Are the students, both human and canine, enjoying themselves?

Are dogs and owners actively encouraged?

Is praise given frequently?

Are voice commands given in upbeat tones?

Are lesson handouts available?

Is information available on how dogs learn, basic grooming, problem solving, and related topics?

What’s the best age for training?

Although “puppyhood” is the best time to train and socialize dogs, older dogs can learn new tricks, too. In fact, dogs of all ages can benefit from training. Dogs between 8 and 16 weeks of age should be enrolled only in puppy classes.

After you have selected a training program:

Have your dog examined by your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy, free from parasites, and up-to-date on vaccinations. You’ll need a receipt to prove vaccinations for class.

Don’t feed your dog a large meal before class because many trainers rely on food treats to encourage or reward desired behavior.

Bring the training equipment recommended by the trainer.

Practice between classes with brief lessons that end on a positive note.

By enrolling and actively participating in a dog training class, you will help your dog become not just a well-behaved member of your family, but also a safer member of your community.